Conspirator (Fourth Foreigner Series #1)

One one the best by C J Cherryh

This is definitely one of the most imaginative and outstanding of the Foreign Universe Series by C J Cherryh. If you're not familar with the series, then get this one. This has a great story line and a wonder plot that builds to an exciting ending. Although you should read the other books first, however, don't let that stop you from getting this one. It's better than other books I've recommended. It has the character depth of "Field of Dishonor" with all the excitement and action of "Beyond Mars Crimson Fleet". These two books are also first class novels not to be denied their genius, and are most certainly worth the reading too. But Conspirator has its own unique flavor and has to be the best of the best.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

One of the best Sci-Fi series ever!

I have read many sci-fi series from many authors, but the Foreigner series stands out as one of the finest in the genre. The Atevi world C.J. Cherryh created is one of the most original and complex of any series. However, don't let this complexity discourage you from discovering this series. It is remarkable and challenging to follow the genealogical lines, and understand the nuance's of this alien society. It is also remarkable how Ms. Cherryh can maintain such a level of continuity throughout the series. This latest novel continues just where the last one left off, and those familiar with the series will be pleased at how the characters further evolve in this world. She also provides a mostly complete genealogy of the many important clans, which helped me better understand who, what, and where the characters stand in the story. If you have not read the previous books, then don't read this until you have read the previous nine volumes. This is really a novel for those who know the story well. If you enjoy the complex worlds created by Asimov, Herbert, and Niven then you will love the Atevi world and the one human liaison who must tread carefully, and bravely in order to keep the Atevi and Humans from destroying each other. As well as prepare for future encounters with other alien races.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

a superb entry in a strong chronicle

The paidhi-aiji interpreter between the native Atevi and the stranded humans, Bren Cameron remains worried though the Atevi civil war has ended at least for now and his side victorious (see DELIVERER). He fears human technological and other intervention assimilating and ultimately destroying the Atevi lifestyle.

At the same time, there are still supporters of the vanquished usurper Murini and those loyal to the current regime claiming that Cajeiri, the heir to the Western Association leader, has spent too much time living with humans in their environs and is therefore no longer pure Atevi. Ironically the young heir fears what mankind offers as he knows how easily this could be adapted and ultimately would supersede their culture especially with its potential intrusiveness into the Atevi communication system. Cameron agrees with Cajeiri, but as he eludes assassins from both species, he struggles to keep his young obstinate friend from overreacting at the wrong time increasing hostilities.

The latest Foreigner science fiction thriller is a superb entry in a strong chronicle. Character driven by mostly Cajeiri and Bren, fans will appreciate the complex Atevi culture threatened by the potential human assimilation. Although newcomers will be lost in space as CONSPIRATOR is a direct sequel to DELIVERER, which in turn is a direct sequel to PRETENDER, etc., once again C.J. Cherryh provides an interesting tale of a human living in an alien culture; however, the additional spin of the impact on an Atevi youth having lived in a human culture for a couple of years refreshes the saga.

Harriet Klausner

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

Worth reading - and re-reading

I recently discovered the Foreigner series and am fascinated by it. I would suggest starting with Foreigner and going in sequence, as I think someone trying to start here might be a bit baffled.

Redundant Plot

I have been a fan of Ms. Cherryh for many years, especially the Foreigner series. In fact, the first two books of the previous cycle are two of my favorites. However, Conspirator duplicates the plot of Deliverer, the previous book. The young prince gets kidnapped, then rescues himself while the adults drink teas and shoot at each other. I am desperately hoping that the next book, Deceiver, gets the story back on track.

The Foreigner series is characterized by political intrigue punctuated by small moments of personal interaction between the characters. I keep hoping for a few more of these moments in each book, as this is where the magic happens. The dynamics between the individuals is what keeps me coming back for more, not the action sequences. The revelation of the Estate staff's true attachment to Bren was riveting. The association of Bren to Banichi and Jago is quite touching. The human-atevi interface, fraught with danger and mixed signals, is as much a statement on male-female communication as it is a statement on international politics.

I also hope the next book reveals more about Tano and Algini. The last cycle hinted that these characters would get more development, but it has not yet happened. One keeps hoping...

Even though Conspirator was not my favorite of the Foreigner series, I am greatly looking forward to Deceiver. It can't come fast enough for me.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Fast paced cultural enigma

This is a great book as has been the whole series. I always wait with eager anticipation for the next volume. The layers in the culture are reminiscent of feudal Japan with a space age twist.

CJ Cherrhy does not disappoint with Conspirator

CJ Cherryh's latest novel in the Foreigner series is very good reading. I waited and waited for the book and then sat down and read in one sitting!

I must confess, I have no idea were the series is going, and that's the fun of it, the newest character has added depth to the Atevi world. A world apart from ours, but written so well you believe that an intelligent species is really possible. It will be exciting to find out what the next adventures will be.

I must confess, I will be waiting for the next book as well.

Bren-Paidhi is back.... again.

Having recently re-installed Tabini-aiji back to his rightful place as leader of the planet-bound Atevi, and recovered Tabini's son out of the hands of the instigators of the recent coup, Bren feels he is due a rest, and Tabini agrees.... too easily. Retiring to his estate on the coast, and expecting some private time with his brother Toby, it seems he fails to notify Tabini's enemies that he is taking a vacation. His neighbors seem to have let the countryside fall apart, and the local township is infested with assassins. Once again, Tabini's son seems to be around just in time to stir up the action.

As a big fan of C.J. Cherryh's works, and a lover of the fictional Atevi-human universe that she has based this long, running series, I had high hopes for this 10th installment of the Foreigner series. After the excitement of meeting a 3rd alien species in the 2nd trilogy, I guess I hoped for a visitation from the new characters. However, if history tells us anything, and as the Atevi see things... another trilogy would be felicitous in the offing. My congratulations to Ms. Cherryh for another promising beginning to a possible(???) 4th trilogy. Keep your fingers crossed. Baji-naji.

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